Mountaineering Ireland, the national representative body for hillwalkers and climbers, supports the call this week from farmers in the Mount Brandon area of Co. Kerry for walkers not to take dogs onto the hills.
The presence of a dog on the hill, even one that’s on a lead, causes stress to sheep, and where dogs are off-lead sheep may be chased and injured. The failure of a minority of dog owners to keep their dogs under control means that dogs are not welcome in most upland areas.
Mountaineering Ireland appeals to all walkers and climbers to respect farm animals and wildlife by not taking dogs onto the hills. In locations where dogs are welcome, people should ensure that their dog is under effective control at all times.
Over the last two weeks Mountaineering Ireland has been liaising with IFA representatives, the Rural Recreation Officer in Kerry and local Mountaineering Ireland member, Councillor Séamus Cosaí Fitzgerald, providing advice to help address this issue at Brandon and also at Caherconree.
Mountaineering Ireland advises those who enjoy outdoor activities to support and adhere to the current travel restrictions for exercise (5km from home in the Republic of Ireland, 10 miles in Northern Ireland).
For further information contact:
Helen Lawless
Access & Conservation Officer, Mountaineering Ireland
086 8046687 / helen@mountaineering.ie
www.mountaineering.ie
